FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

PULAU PINANG LABORATORY MANUAL

ENGINEERING MATERIAL
COURSE
LABORATORY
COURSE CODE CES 410
LEVEL OF OPENNESS 1

CATEGORY PARTIALLY OPEN ENDED

DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%) 33

PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 1 WEEK

TITLE BULK DENSITY FOR COARSE AGGREGATES

1.1 Introduction
The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities will not be able
to provide the avenue for students to enhance independent learning
activities and inculcate creativity and innovation. Level 0 is fully prescriptive
where problem, ways & means and answers are provided to the students.
However it is still necessary especially to first and second year students. In
this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the Unit Weight (Bulk
Density) of coarse aggregates.

1.2 Objectives
The objective of the test is:
PREAMBLE Determination of unit weight (bulk density) and voids of coarse aggregate.

1.3 Learning Outcomes

At the end of the laboratory activity, students would be able to:
1. Organize and conduct unit weight (bulk density) and voids tests for
coarse aggregates with correct apparatus and procedure.
2. Analyze data correctly and present in typical format.
3. Work in group and produce technical report.

Unit weight (bulk density) and voids of aggregates are important aggregate
parameters used in the prescribed or design mix design. As a group you are
given aggregate samples to test to determine these parameters using
PROBLEM STATEMENT
apparatus mentioned below. The group must carry out the test following the
procedures outline and subsequently analyze the data and present it in a
proper technical format.
3.1 Apparatus
Weighing balance, weight box (metric), sample splitter, cylinder
WAYS & MEANS
containers (3, 7, 15 or 30 liters capacity), shovel, tamping rod (16 mm
diameter rounded at one end), and piece of glass plate.

©FKA, UiTM, PULAU PINANG SEPTEMBER 2017

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PULAU PINANG LABORATORY MANUAL

3.2 Procedures
3.2.1 Procedure for Compacted Bulk Density
1. Determining the volume of container to be used by accurately fillingin
with water at 16.7ºC (62ºC) and weight the amount of water. The weight
of water in kg will give the volume of container, V in litre.
2. Take the sample by quartering.
3. Fill the container with aggregates in three layers with each layerbeing
tamped with 25 strokes of rounded end of the tamping rod, distributing the
strokes evenly over the surface. The container is finally filled to
overflowing.
4. Strike off the surplus aggregates using tamping rod as straight edge.
5. Weight the container full of aggregates and record the weight, W in kg.
6. Calculate :
Compacted unit weight (bulk density) = W/V
Where,

W = Weight of compacted aggregate in cylindrical container, kg

V = Volume of cylinder container, litre

7. Calculate:
The percentage of voids is calculated as follows

Percentage of voids = [(Gs – ϒ)/Gs]*100

Where,

Gs = Specific gravity of the aggregate

ϒ = Bulk density in kg/litre

3.2.1 Procedure for Loose Bulk Density

1. Measure the volume of the cylindrical metal measure by pouring water
into the container and record the volume “V” in litre.
2. Fill the container with aggregate to overflowing by means of a shovel or
scoop, the aggregate being discharged from a height not exceeding 5 cm
above the top of the measure
3. Level the top surface of the aggregate in the metal measure, with a
traight edge or tamping bar.
4. Determine the weight of the aggregate in the measure and record the
weight “W” in kg.

5. Calculate:
Loose unit weight (bulk density) = W/V

Where,

©FKA, UiTM, PULAU PINANG SEPTEMBER 2017

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PULAU PINANG LABORATORY MANUAL

W = Weight of loose aggregate in cylinder container, kg

V = Volume of cylinder container, litre

6. Calculate:
The percentage of voids is calculated as follows

Percentage of voids = [(Gs – ϒ)/Gs]*100

Where,

Gs = Specific gravity of the aggregate

ϒ = Bulk density in kg/litre

3.3 Data Acquisition

Test data will be recorded in the table in Appendix.

Results, Analysis and Conclusion

The group is required to submit the technical report of the laboratory results
RESULTS highlighting the data acquisition process, analysis carried out and the
relevancy of the set-out output to achieve the objective. The format of the
report is left to the creativity discretion of the group.

©FKA, UiTM, PULAU PINANG SEPTEMBER 2017

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PULAU PINANG LABORATORY MANUAL

TABLE OF RESULT

Unit Compacted Weight Loose Weight

Weight of empty cylinder
container kg
Weight of cylinder container
with aggregate kg
Weight of aggregate, W kg
Volume of cylinder container, V litre
Bulk density of aggregate, ρ . kg/litre
Percentage of voids
Take Gs:
%
Granite = 2.69 / Limestone =
2.66

©FKA, UiTM, PULAU PINANG SEPTEMBER 2017